In my own limited experience having owned razors from both Mühle and Merkur, there exists a gap in the overall quality of both feel and appearance between the razors from the two companies. I've been fortunate in that the Merkurs I've owned (38c, 39c, Futur) have been top-notch, but I've seen first-hand (34c, Progress, 37c) where the fit & finish on some models was not up to par. Still better than what I've seen from FaTip, but for what they charge, Merkur should be more conscientious in their QC.
I agree. I have a 34C which is good, and 38C Barber Pole which is not of sound manufacturing. I never thought I would be able to say that about a Germany product.
This thread is why I ditched my Merkurs, Muhles, EJs, and Parkers in favor of vintage Gillette razors and a lone Schick Krona. The Gillette razors may show their age a little but after 40 to 50 years, this is expected. Greatly engineered brass and nickel razors that will give many, many more years of service.
In this situation, a full frontal assault would almost certainly be met with a very determined defense. Any victory might well turn out to be Pyrrhic. IMHO, what is needed is a straightforward, no-nonsense, yet very diplomatic approach. After all, Merkur almost certainly wants to produce top-quality products and thereby make a mountain of profit. The two are linked, they know it, and want us to be happy using their products. Or put another way: You will catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. That being said, I very much agree with your point that a mass mailing would be beneficial. The return to traditional wetshaving is skyrocketing. It is both a boon and a boom for manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike. It is also a challenge to ramp up supply to meet the ever increasing demand. As with all such booms, the rapid expansion often stretches production capabilities to the limit. Sometimes this results in quality issues, of which senior management might not always be aware. That is why feedback is so important. A well-written, politely worded letter, preferably with an enclosed photographic print, should do the trick. For one thing, people will often think twice about what they say in a signed letter. When sending an email, it is all too easy to say things in the heat of the moment that are best put another way. We would all do well to bear in mind that we are, both individually and collectively, ambassadors for the traditional wetshaving customer base. And who guards our embassies and diplomats in the most dignified, professional and utterly capable manner?
Oh, OK. I hope I did not PIF anybody off by asking. I have a minimal amount of gear, but do have a Merkur 34C in the box I have been meaning to PIF. It has a almost microscopic blemish on the plating in top, but I though that was an anomaly. They are made in S0lingen, after all. I prefer my Edwin Jagger DE89L by the slimmest of margins, and being a one-razor shaver have not used the Merkur in years.
Your just going through "Cabin Fever", up there with all that snow. I only have one "new" razor a Merkur 34c which is very nice. All of my other razors are vintage Gillette, and I swear by everyone of them. They just don't build them like them anymore. So go Vintage Gillette and don't look back. Just unload the rest on the bay.
With the rapid expansion of the wetshaving marketplace, it seems like a lot of vendors are jumping in, sometimes with indifferent quality control. It is not only with razors, shaving soaps are a lot more variable than in times past IMHO. Competition and product reviews and commentary will hopefully sort things out as rapidly evolving industry matures.
There are a lot of men in the same boat, and each and every one deserves a good shave if he wants it. Discourse on the forums, including this one, often focuses on consumption and excess. It is equally important for forums to note that wetshaving can be done on a budget. Guys still looking for a dime count, too, perhaps most of all.
